A look at the details of the state's health insurance program

BOSTON — Massachusetts universal health care law aims to ensure all state residents have some form of health insurance through a variety of programs.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BOSTON — Massachusetts universal health care law aims to ensure all state residents have some form of health insurance through a variety of programs.

The concern now is that rising costs for some of those covered by the Commonwealth Care program may prompt even larger premium hikes than projected or greater cost for the state.

Here are details on what residents of differing income pay:

The poorest of the state's residents, those making less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level of $15,315 for an individual or $30,975 for a family of four, receive free coverage from Commonwealth Care. Those without coverage from their employer who make more than 300 percent of the federal poverty limit n $30,630 for an individual and $61,950 for a family of four — must buy it from six insurers offering reduced-cost plans under another program, Commonwealth Choice.

Rates are slated to rise by 5 percent, from about $184 per month to $194 per month for the typical buyer, deemed to be a 37-year-old from Boston.

At its Feb. 14 meeting, the Connector board proposed a $5 monthly increase for Commonwealth Care participants earning between 150 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or up to $20,420 for an individual and $41,300 for a family of four. Their cost would grow from $35 per month to $40. The board proposed a $10 monthly increase to $80 for those between 200 percent and 250 percent of the federal poverty level, or up to $25,525 for an individual and $51,625 for a family of four. For those making between 250 percent and 300 percent of the federal poverty level, or up to $30,630 for individual or $61,950 for family of four, the proposed rate increase was from $105 per adult to $120.